im considering just getting a new HU for a few reasons.
1) better sound quality. ill be keeping the stock speakers untill i can buy a whole amplified set.
2) ipod clarity. running the ipod through the radio module sucks, sound quality is terrible. i want it to be crystal clear with no sound loss.
3) signal to my amp. right now it sucks with the LOC, not a strong signal and i have to keep my gains pretty high to even get decent output.
i think getting a new deck will solve all of these problems. im not getting a huge $700 dual din deck, just a nice like $200 alpine that will power my stock speakers nicely, and it has three amp outputs which is perfect for later when i want amped speakers, plus it has the sub-RCA outputs too. theres a seperate peice i can get also that allows me to still use the steering wheel controls for volume etc.
That headunit is probably worth it. I highly recommend getting better speakers powered by a descent amp though. Otherwise it be like putting a new saddle on a dead horse.
oh i plan to get new speakers powered by an amp, just cant afford it right now. i just really wanted to know whether its worth it to get this HU over the stock one and right now im pretty convinced that i should do it.
far as installing it now and it sounding any better... I don't think you'll be able to tell a difference really. Bass control will be better with the preamps though. But the rest will be pretty much the same.
After taking a second look at the cd players features I'd look at some more units and try to find one that has a mutli-band equalizer and high and low pass varible crossover. What sort of budget do you have for a headunit?
I have always had Pioneers---way back to the cassette decks of the late '70's. I have a Pioneer in my 150 now---just a 3900. It sounds great, but I did get new 6X8 speakers (front and back) as well. I deal with Crutchfield, so I don't know how their prices compare to yor place. But in the end, yes, an new HU is (best Rainman voice) definitely, definitely worth it.
I replaced the stock head units in my F250LD and my Subaru wagon this year and in both cases, the aftermarket head unit (Kenwood KDC-135 ~ $80) sounded noticeably better. Speakers make a bigger difference, but in my experience replacing the head unit definitely makes a difference.
By the time you get a new head unit and the module to allow factory control of the new HU through the steering wheel controls you are going to be past your $200.00 budget.
Do a search on PAC, they make interfaces that tie into factory head units to allow the iPod to play in place of an OEM CD Changer.
Right now I think that would be the route I would take, it will save you money that would be better spent elsewhere in your system.
You said you are using a LOC to go to an amp, what is that amp powering?
You said that you have factory speakers right now so I can only imagine you are powering a sub with your amp. Buy the PAC and spend the extra money on new speakers for the front if nothing else. Later on get an amp to power thoes speakers and you would be ahead of the game with less money out of pocket.
Also what type of LOC are you using? There are some with adjustments on them that you can increase the signal sent to the amp to compensate for low voltage signals.
well i pulled the trigger and ordered a new pioneer headunit. it was a great deal because it came with everything i needed. the ipod connection came free, the mounting pod was free, and the wiring harness was also included. it has crossovers and equalizers as well as 3 amp outputs, including one for my sub amp (no more LOC!!) and i got it shipped to my door for $182. good deal in my opinion. oh, its a Pioneer Premier DEH-P490iB. should be here teusday!
thanks for all the help guys. one last question...ive done tons of amp and sub installs but have never done a Head Unit swap....is it dificult? i should be able to do it right? any advice??
Without a doubt, the best mod I've done so far is getting rid of the poo poo sound system in my truck. I love my Alpine W205! My opinion, save up some $$$ and upgrade the whole system. You will not regret it at all.
yup, i plan to get new components and some nice rear speakers as well as an amp to push them, maybe around christmas time. i also want to redo my subwoofers at some point.
my new headunit just got here!! i want to go install it now, however i have a problem. i do not have solder or a soldering iron. is there another way to connect the wires or do i have to go buy a solder/iron??
Go to the hardware store and get wirenuts or crimpable fasteners---the ones I use are a very small tube insulated around it. You slide one wire in one end and crimp it, and do the same with the other wire. Then put some electrical tape over it.
well i ended up buying a soldering iron and some solder for 19 bucks at the hardware store. got home and soldered the wiring harness's together and wrapped them in electrical tape. very easy, but tedious work. took me quite a while actually.
so i finish and walk outside to hook everything up and aww crap its dark outside. i cant use the dome light because i have the neg battery unhooked. so ill have to finish the install tomorrow morning.
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My opinion, save up some $$$ and upgrade the whole system. You will not regret it at all.
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